Vaughan and Flint. That the hot news in English cricket, it seems. Vaughan said that Fredalo wrecked English World Cup plans by his drinking.

"We arrived at the World Cup in a positive frame of mind," Vaughan told The Guardian. "But unfortunately incidents happened which affected the team. You have to be honest, the 'Fredalo' incident did affect the team. It did affect morale. Suddenly you've got players who have no freedom left. I like to see players enjoy themselves but no one would dare go out after that incident - and you can't create any spirit then."

"I never used the word 'Fredalo'," said Vaughan. "As soon as you mention that, you are pinpointing one person. I'll be having dinner with him in an hour's time. It [the article] has been blown out of all proportion. One word changed the whole context of the article, a word which I didn't say."

"I think it is completely out of order, I think it's despicable, I think it stinks against a guy (Flintoff) who has given blood for England these past three or four years," Cumbes said. "He was the talisman in the Ashes series in 2005...this fella has given blood for England and I think it is appalling he's been treated in this fashion."

Michael Vaughan's claim that he did not use the word "Fredalo" in describing the reasons England under-performed at the World Cup has been contradicted by the newspaper that originally ran the story. The Guardian has posted online an audio excerpt from its interview with Vaughan, proving he did use the term.

The Jamaican police have said they are analysing new information about the death of Bob Woolmer though they refused to comment on reports in the media that Woolmer had died of natural causes.

"Ravi is perfect to coach the team. He is an experienced man and understands the cricketers of the sub continent well," Sidhu said despite the former all rounder having made clear that he would not continue with the job.

In fact, Whatmore’s chances had begun to dim after BCCI president Sharad Pawar met the Indian players in Chittagong during the recent Bangladesh series. “It was understood that the players would definitely have a say and that is what has happened as far as inviting Ford is concerned,” said the panel member, who did not wish to be named.

It was then that some senior players requested recent interim manager Ravi Shastri to contact Ford, the former South Africa coach. Apparently, Ford’s profile of being mild-mannered generally, but a hard taskmaster when it came to fitness, had impressed the Indians.

"As far as his cricketing technique is concerned, I cannot comment on that. But I will love to work with Sehwag (on his state of mind). I think he should relive the memories of his best performances," Agashe told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"When the negative images are disproportionately larger in your mind it puts you into a stressful state and the threat of failure becomes bigger.